This certified fresh martial arts film is a must-see for any fan of the genre.

summation

• Martial arts fans must see the spectacular action scenes in the Chinese action movie '100 Yards'.

• ‘100 Yards’ depicts the power struggle and chaos that unfolds against the backdrop of the Tianjin martial arts academy in the 1920s.

• Despite the repetitive plot, the high-quality martial arts choreography was impressive and received favorable reviews.

Solid martial arts dramas with flashy action scenes and plots good enough to attract attention don't appear often, but there are works that deserve more attention recently. This Chinese action film set in 1920s Tianjin is a must-see for fans of the martial arts film genre.

The movie in question is 100 yardsIt was directed by brothers Xu Haofeng and Xu Junfeng. Originally released in 2023, it was only released in the United States on November 8, 2024, after Well Go USA Entertainment acquired North American distribution rights to the film. 100 yards It's now available to stream and rent, which is why it should be next on any true martial arts movie fan's list of things to watch.

What is it 100 yards for?

Story and Plot Details

story 100 yards It depicts a power struggle to take over Tenjin's martial arts academy. Master Shen faces the task of choosing a successor due to a serious illness. The competitor is his son Shen An. and his best student Qi Quan. Quan and An's duel ends with the apprentice becoming his successor and taking over the academy. But this is only the beginning of a long battle of pride and scheming that puts the entire city in danger.

The era plays an important role in the simple storyline. 100 yards. It was not until 1912 that a martial arts school was established in Tianjin after the fall of Qing rule. In the film, Chinese traditions and Western influences become key elements in the ever-escalating power struggle between An and Quan. In particular, this title comes from the strict rule prohibiting fighting more than 100 yards beyond the academy gate, which causes even greater confusion.

Why martial arts fans should watch 100 yards

Action sequences and technical excellence

100 yards Although this is Xu Junfeng's directorial debut, his older brother Xu Haofeng has previously participated in films such as: final master, hidden swordHe was even co-authored by Wong Kar-wai. grandmaster. Despite a plot that can feel repetitive, the directors did a great job of presenting some excellent fight scenes in the film. 100 yards It offers an excellent combination of hand-to-hand combat and weapon combat.

This movie is a non-stop martial arts action experience that doesn't lack for variety. Whether fighting one-on-one or one-on-one, there are different lengths and types of weapons, including ropes and chains. This is a truly indulgent experience for action fans. 100 yards The stunt choreography, camera work and editing are all in sync, making it powerful on a technical level. This creates a tight rhythm that allows the audience to easily follow the action.

Sound design and editing

Some recent martial arts films often use extreme editing to hide the fact that the actors are incompetent fighters, but this is not the case here. 100 yards Everyone involved in the film doesn't shy away from being a proper martial arts expert, and this takes the fight scenes to a whole new level.

Another impressive aspect of this film is its impeccable sound design. In order to feel each hit, block, and kick, the sound must be believable while reinforcing every hit and maintaining energy. The level of detail in Foley's sounds is commendable. And that's where it is 100 yards Despite the plot often getting lost in the action, it truly delivers.

A few flaws you can ignore

Action lovers won't have much to complain about. 100 yards. However, audiences who can be picky about plot and characters may have issues with the execution. The power struggle between the two overwhelmed protagonists can be frustrating, as it turns into an almost repetitive cycle of rematches and schemes.

Despite the idea of ​​a martial arts community maintaining community order and honor, Quan and An seem to have no honor at all, as they have no problem turning the city into a mini-battleground. Therefore, it is best to ignore risks and objectives and action should be the main expectation of the film.

What the Critics Said 100 yards

A must-see for action fans

Despite some problems with the story and central characters, the action is 100 yards It was enough to garner real critical appreciation. The film is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an 83% rating from 18 critic reviews, which is rare for a film of this genre. As expected, most of the praise comes from the top-notch martial arts choreography. Film critic David Ehrlich said: 100 yards It's a dazzlingly elegant martial arts epic that rivals the martial arts films of the 1980s, and he shared his thoughts in his review for IndieWire.

100 Yards is nothing if not a classic martial arts film, but this bruising tale of turn-of-the-century innocence is shot and directed with such radical elegance that it seems like a push for the new rather than a throwback. form.

In addition to its entertainment value, some critics praised the directors' confidence in their vision, creating a clean martial arts experience mixed with politics and ego drama. In his review of the film, Simon Abrams emphasizes that the film's flaws are worth overlooking. RogerEbert.com:

It is a period drama whose elaborate plot, brilliant dialogue, and thrilling action scenes often overwhelm our expectations or pass us by without attracting our attention. […] It's a stylish, modern action film featuring some of the most satisfying fight choreography and action filmmaking of the year. Light on its feet and eager to show off, 100 Yards confirms Xu as one of the best action action directors around.

Where to Watch 100 yards

100 yards Now available to stream on Apple TV+. Chinese action movies can also be rented on platforms such as Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, and Prime Video.